Istanbul city guide + Short breaks | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide+short-breaks
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Vintage Istanbul - in pictureshttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2011/sep/14/istanbul-city-guide-vintage-pictures
The Magnum photographer Ara Güler was born in Istanbul in 1928 to ethnic Armenian parents. His images of his home city take viewers back in time through an Istanbul that has changed at breakneck speed <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2011/sep/14/istanbul-city-guide-vintage-pictures">Continue reading...</a>TravelIstanbulPhotographyCity breaksShort breaksMagnumWed, 14 Sep 2011 16:58:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2011/sep/14/istanbul-city-guide-vintage-picturesAra Guler/ Ara Guler / MagnumKumkapi fishermen Photograph: Ara Guler/ Ara Guler / MagnumGuardian Staff2011-09-14T16:58:00Z10 of the best films set in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-films-movies-istanbul
From Turkish versions of Tarzan and Dracula to wintry weepies, via (whisper it) Midnight Express, <strong>Fiachra Gibbons</strong> picks out the best films shot in Istanbul<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>• As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-films-movies-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulFilmCity breaksTurkeyTop 10sShort breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-films-movies-istanbulPublic DomainPublic DomainTopkapi posterFiachra Gibbons2011-09-14T12:40:00ZIstanbul: A night out in Beyoğlu - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-night-out-beyoglu-video
<strong>Murat Gokmen</strong> spends a night in Istanbul's liveliest district, moving from singing and dancing on the street, to raucous gig venues, to pounding clubs. And to finish? Why, a kebab of course <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-night-out-beyoglu-video">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTravelTurkeyShort breaksBars and clubsWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:43:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-night-out-beyoglu-videoguardian.co.uk/guardian.co.ukIstanbul nightlife. Photograph: guardian.co.ukMurat Gokmen2011-09-14T09:43:00ZIstanbul: Cukurcuma woodwork shop - videohttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-cukurcuma-woodwork-shop-video-istanbul-antiques
Murat Gokmen visits one of Istanbul's most unchanged districts, and finds a century old woodwork business and antiques shops showcasing the city's many cultures <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-cukurcuma-woodwork-shop-video-istanbul-antiques">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTravelTurkeyShort breaksShopping tripsWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:41:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/video/2011/sep/14/istanbul-cukurcuma-woodwork-shop-video-istanbul-antiquesguardian.co.uk/guardian.co.ukIstanbul: Cukurcuma. Photograph: guardian.co.ukMurat Gokmen2011-09-14T09:41:00Z10 of the best books set in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-books-set-in-istanbul
<strong>Malcolm Burgess</strong> picks 10 literary tributes to Istanbul, from a history of Constantinople to a literary trail through the city by Nobel Prize-winner Orhan Pamuk<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide </strong></a><p>Perhaps <em>the</em> definitive guide to Istanbul. Detailed but never boring, we stroll through Istanbul in the company of the best-informed and most engaging of guides who clearly love the city themselves.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-books-set-in-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>Literary tripsIstanbulBooksTop 10sTravelEuropeCity breaksShort breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-books-set-in-istanbulPublic DomainStrolling through Istanbul: A Guide to the City, and the Galata Bridge. Image: Massimo Borchi/ Atlantide Phototravel/CorbisPublic DomainStrolling Through IstanbulMalcolm Burgess2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best kebab restaurants in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-meat-restaurants-istanbul
Istanbul is a great destination for meat eaters, particularly those who love kebabs. The <strong><a href="http://istanbuleats.com">Istanbul Eats</a></strong> bloggers select the best restaurants to savour Turkey's signature dish<br /><br /><strong><a href="http:///www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title="">• As featured in our Istanbul city guide</a></strong><p>Kadinlar Pazari, a pleasant, pedestrianised square in the Fatih neighbourhood, is the closest Istanbul has to a &quot;little Kurdistan&quot;. This superb restaurant specialises in <em>b&uuml;ryan </em>kebab; a kind of Turkish version of the Texas pit barbecue. A side of a small lamb is slowly cooked over coals in a deep hole in the ground, resulting in exceptionally tender meat covered in a thin layer of crackling, crunchy fat. Be sure to also try the <em>perde pilavi</em>, a fragrant peppery pilaf made of rice, chicken, almonds and currants wrapped in a thin pastry shell and baked until the exterior turns golden and flaky.<br /><em>• Itfaiye Caddesi 4, Fatih, +90 212 635 8085, </em><a href="http://www.serefburyan.com" title=""><em>serefburyan.com</em></a><em>, mains TL10 (&pound;4). Open 10am-11pm daily</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-meat-restaurants-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>RestaurantsIstanbulFood and drinkRestaurantsFood & drinkTravelTurkeyTop 10sEuropeShort breaksWeekend breaksCity breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-meat-restaurants-istanbulPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRFlickrSiirt Seref Buryan Kebap Salonu, a kebab restaurant in Istanbul's 'little Kurdistan'. Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pancakejess/5612972539/">jslander on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>PRSehzade Erzurum Cag KebabiAnsel Mullins2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best modern art galleries in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-modern-galleries-istanbul-city-guide
Istanbul's art venues range from glamorous party spots to converted Ottoman power stations, and show everything from masters to multidisciplinary art. <strong>Michael Hornsby</strong> picks the best <br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>• As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>Tucked away in the backstreets of Beyoğlu, Garaj is a not-for-profit contemporary performance art space that feels stripped back to the very basics – all exposed concrete and cold lighting. It has a ballsy manifesto, and recently held a performing arts festival about dictators and corruption, called &quot;political games&quot;. But these revolutionaries like to have a good time as well. In a neighbourhood mostly occupied by bars and clubs, Garaj lets its hair down with events such as B-Boy competitions and concerts from visiting indie bands. <br /><em>• Kaymakam Reşat Bey Sokak 11, +90 212 244 4499, </em><a href="http://www.garajistanbul.org" title=""><em>garajistanbul.org</em></a><em>, prices vary according to the show </em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-modern-galleries-istanbul-city-guide">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTurkeyCultural tripsArtArt and designEuropeTravelShort breaksWeekend breaksTop 10sPhotographyCity breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-modern-galleries-istanbul-city-guidePRAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPRPhotograph: <a href="http://www.effect.com.tr/">Effect PR</a>Public DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/occasionallywhere/1847387186/">occassionallywhere on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>PRPRPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mandymoran/5598705985/">mandymoran27 on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>Public DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charleskremenak/4175021115/">Charkrem on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>AlamyPhotograph: AlamyPublic DomainGaraj, a backstreet performance space in the Istanbul district of Beyoğlu. Photograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/senova/2895042801/">basak senova on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">Some rights reserved</a>PRThe studio-like Arter, based in a restored mansion on Istiklal Caddesi. Photograph courtesy of Hold Me Close To Your HeartMichael Hornsby2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best outdoor cafes and hangouts in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-cafes-hangouts-istanbul
Istanbul is a frenetic city – but its citizens also know how and where to slow down. <strong>Pinar Hilal Vurucu</strong> picks 10 places to stop for coffee, watch the city go by, and hang out with locals <br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>• As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>Not the easiest word to master, Emin&ouml;n&uuml; is a chaotic hub on the shores of the old peninsula with spectacular views in all directions. The main draw here is the fried fish sandwiches, prepared on colourful illuminated boats that rock steadily on the water, and then eaten on tiny plastic tables and chairs on the dock. Vendors selling pickles, corn on the cob, leather goods and electronic toy cars zigzag between the crowds as ferry horns and seagulls add to the cacophony.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-cafes-hangouts-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTurkeyFood and drinkTravelCity breaksShort breaksTop 10sWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-cafes-hangouts-istanbulAlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyPhotograph: AlamyMehmet Yaman/ZAMANPhotograph: Mehmet Yaman/ZAMANAlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyPhotograph: AlamyOnur Oban/ZAMANPhotograph: Onur Oban/ZAMANAlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyPhotograph: AlamyMustafa Kirazl /ZAMANPhotograph: Mustafa Kirazl /ZAMANAlamyEminönü ferry docks in Istanbul, where locals eat fresh fish on the banks of the Bosphorus. Photograph: AlamyOnur Oban/ZAMANPierre Loti Cafe
Photograph: Onur Oban/ZAMANPınar Hilal Vurucu2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best fish restaurants in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-fish-restaurants-istanbul-city-guide
Istanbul isn't all about kebabs and meze. This food lover's city is also crazy about freshly caught seafood, served everywhere from shacks to riverside restaurants, say the <strong><a href="http://istanbuleats.com">Istanbul Eats</a></strong> bloggers<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http:///www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/amsterdam-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>Call it the Sultanahmet squeeze: how to stay close to the monuments in the old city yet avoid eating in tourist traps? Ahirikapi Balik&ccedil;isi is one of the dining secrets of Sultanahmet. This little dive with a loyal following of workers is just across from the lovely dervish lodge, Dede Efendi. With a simple menu dominated by fresh fish at reasonable prices and colourful locals sipping raki, this is the sort of place a concierge might tell you to avoid. In warm weather, when they drag tables out onto the pavement, there are few better places in Sultanahmet to eat grilled fish washed down with a cold beer. <br />• <em>Keresteci Hakki Sokak 46, Cankurtaran/Ahırkapı, +90 212 518 4988, mains TL16 (&pound;6). Open 3pm-midnight daily</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-fish-restaurants-istanbul-city-guide">Continue reading...</a>RestaurantsIstanbulFood and drinkTurkeyRestaurantsFood & drinkTop 10sTravelCity breaksWeekend breaksFishShort breaksSeafoodWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-fish-restaurants-istanbul-city-guidePRPRFlickrPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pancakejess/5615284544/">jslander on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>FlickrPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37601286@N06/5160015582/">gsz on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>PRFlickrPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elysepasquale/5732178958/">Elyse Pasquale on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>PRPRFlickrPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/umami88/2349159931/">u m a m i on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyAhirikapi Balikcisi Photograph: AlamyAnsel Mullins2011-09-14T09:30:00ZThe top 10 sights in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-sights-istanbul-city-guide
Istanbul's many attractions include towering minarets, underground Byzantine cisterns and steamy bathhouses. <strong>Pat Yale</strong> selects the places to visit<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>The city's most unexpectedly romantic attraction, the Basilica Cistern, offers an insight into the complicated system that once brought drinking water into Istanbul from Thrace (an area of the south-east Balkans now constituting Turkish land n the European mainland, and a chunk of Bulgaria). Constructed in the sixth century and then forgotten for centuries, the cistern that once stored the water has been fitted with lights and music. Fish flitter around the bases of the 336 columns that support the ceiling. Don't miss the upside-down head of Medusa that forms the bottom of one column, proof that Byzantine builders saw Roman relics as little more than reusable rubble.<br />• <em>Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Sultanahmet, +90 212 522 1259, </em><a href="http://www.yerebatan.com" title=""><em>yerebatan.com</em></a><em>, entrance &pound;3.50. Open Tue-Sun 9am-7.30pm (Apr-Sep), 9am-5pm (Oct-Mar)</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-sights-istanbul-city-guide">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulCultural tripsMuseumsTop 10sEuropeTurkeyTravelShort breaksCity breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-sights-istanbul-city-guideSalvator Barki/Getty Images/Flickr RMPhotograph: Salvator Barki/Getty Images/Flickr RMTony Souter/ DK Limited/CorbisPhotograph: Tony Souter/ DK Limited/CorbisPRMustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Mustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesMassimo Borchi/ Atlantide Phototravel/CorbisPhotograph: Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/CorbisSteve Outram/ Steve Outram/JAI/CorbisPhotograph: Steve Outram/JAI/CorbisAlamyPhotograph: AlamySandro Santioli/ Atlantide Phototravel/CorbisPhotograph: Sandro Santioli/Atlantide Phototravel/CorbisYasinuss Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RFPhotograph: Yasinuss Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RFMustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesThe upside down head of Medusa, propping up a column in the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Photograph: Mustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesMustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesBasilica Cistern Photograph: Mustafa Ozer/AFP/Getty ImagesPat Yale2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best high-end restaurants in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-high-end-restaurants-istanbul
Rooftop restaurants with superb views across the Bosphorus and modern cuisine that fuses east and west are among the highlights at the top of Istanbul's food chain, say the <strong><a href="http://istanbuleats.com">Istanbul Eats</a></strong> bloggers<br /><br /><strong><a href="http:///www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title="">• As featured in our Istanbul city guide</a></strong><p>This restaurant is located on the terrace of Beyoğlu's Tomtom Suites hotel. It has a superb view of the old city, but, more importantly, it has the talents of two young chefs who are doing stellar work using locally-sourced ingredients. Their imaginative take on the Turkish staple <em>Arnavut ciğeric</em> (Albanian-style liver) is reminiscent of foie gras and is among the more sublime dishes found in town. One of their desserts, a panna cotta made with yoghurt, pulls off the nifty trick of not only cleverly imitating its original inspiration but actually bettering it.<br />• <em>Tomtom Kaptan Sokak 18, Beyoğlu, +90 212 292 4467, </em><a href="http://www.lamouetterestaurant.com/" title=""><em>lamouetterestaurant.com</em></a><em>, mains TL45 (&pound;17). Open Mon-Sat 6.30am-11pm</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-high-end-restaurants-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulRestaurantsFood and drinkTop 10sFood & drinkTurkeyRestaurantsCity breaksTravelShort breaksLuxury travelWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-high-end-restaurants-istanbulOrhan Cem Cetin/Public DomainPhotograph: Orhan Cem CetinPRPRPRPRPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://ufuksarisen.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html">Ufuk Sarisen</a>AlamyPhotograph: AlamyPRPRPROn the terrace of Beyoğlu's Tomtom Suites hotel in Istanbul, La Mouette is one of the city's finest restaurantsAlamyMikla Photograph: AlamyAnsel Mullins2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best markets in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/06/istanbul
Istanbul has its designer stores but there's much more to be had in its markets, from back-street haggling pits crammed with clothes-shopping aunties to glittering medieval spice bazaars. <strong>Latifa Akay</strong> rounds up 10 of the best markets in town<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>A short walk from the Grand Bazaar, the 17th-century <a href="http://www.tours4turkey.com/Destinations/Istanbul/Spice_Market_Eminonu.html" title="">Emin&ouml;n&uuml; Egyptian Spice Bazaar</a>, open seven days a week, is another favourite of the camera-wielding, souvenir-seeking tourist. A bustling gastronomic paradise since 1664, this is the best place to pick up dried fruits and nuts, spices, olives, Turkish delight, oils and essences of the finest order. Bronze curios glint in the sun, torpedo-sized dates are stacked to the rafters, and the decadent scent of freshly ground Mehmet Efendi coffee merges with the aroma of fresh fish, with surprisingly non-toxic consequences. Marriage proposals should only be entertained if they involve free Turkish delight. <br />• <em>Sururi, Fatih</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/06/istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTurkeyShopping tripsTop 10sCity breaksShort breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/06/istanbulPRPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charlesfred/3885826261/">CharlesFred on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackfoodie/4638544009/">Backpack Foodie on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>AlamyPhotograph: AlamyAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPRPRAlamyThe Egyptian Spice Bazaar in Istanbul has been selling nuts, fruits and spices since 1664. Photograph: AlamyAlamyThe Egyptian Spice Bazaar has been selling nuts, fruits and spices since 1664. Photograph: AlamyLatifa Akay2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best lokantas in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/top-10-lokanta-restaurants-istanbul
Istanbul's lokantas, or 'tradesmen's restaurants', are where the locals go for fast, fresh home-style cooking and a lively atmosphere. The <strong><a href="http://istanbuleats.com">Istanbul Eats</a></strong> bloggers select 10 of the best<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>Thanks to glowing write-ups, this Asian-side eatery is no longer the secret it once was, but the restaurant – possibly the best in Istanbul – has remained true to what made it successful in the first place. Owner-chef Musa Dağdeviren's commitment to collecting recipes from around Turkey has resulted in a menu that features unusual regional dishes you're unlikely to find anywhere else, and changes according to what's in season – such as a springtime meat stew cooked with bracingly tart unripe green plums. &Ccedil;iya isn't the fanciest or most cutting-edge place in town, but one rarely leaves it without having had a profoundly memorable taste experience.<br />• <em>G&uuml;neşlibah&ccedil;e Sokak 43, Kadık&ouml;y, +90 216 330 3190, </em><a href="http://www.ciya.com.tr/index_en.php" title=""><em>ciya.com.tr</em></a><em>, mains TL14 (&pound;5). Open noon-10pm</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/top-10-lokanta-restaurants-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulFood and drinkRestaurantsTop 10sBudget travelTravelTurkeyEuropeShort breaksCity breaksFood & drinkRestaurantsWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/top-10-lokanta-restaurants-istanbulFlickrPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pancakejess/5612006619/">jslander on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">Some rights reserved</a>PRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRCiya Sofrasi, a lokanta in Istanbul that collects recipes from around TurkeyPRCiya SofrasiAnsel Mullins2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best antiques shops in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-antique-shops-istanbul
From hidden gems in the Grand Bazaar to smoky bookshops in the back streets of Beyoğlu, <strong>Tom Roueché</strong> hunts down Istanbul's fast-disappearing antique treasures<br /><br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title="Istanbul city guide"><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>Just outside the Grand Bazaar's Nurosmaniye gate, Sofa is almost more museum than shop. Arguably most visitors to Istanbul aren't in the market for priceless 19th century Greek and Russian orthodox icons, Ottoman miniatures and book illuminations, but for those who are, it's a must. The icons are often unusual examples of late Ottoman-era production and the miniatures and illuminations portray anything from mythological scenes to Ottoman sultans. Owner Kashif Bey has also lovingly built up a fantastic collection of Turkish, Ottoman and Islamic art, from delicately carved signet rings to maps of the region, engravings and ottoman landscape and portrait paintings, as well as huge art books. Admittedly none of this comes cheap, but Sofa has built its reputation catering for collectors seeking one-off historical objects, impossible to source elsewhere.<br />• <em>Nuruosmaniye Caddesi 53A, Cağaloğlu, +90 212 520 2850, </em><a href="http://www.kashifsofa.com/" title="Kashif Sofa"><em>kashifsofa.com</em></a></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-antique-shops-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulTravelTurkeyShopping tripsCity breaksShort breaksWeekend breaksTop 10sWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-antique-shops-istanbulAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/suzan-a/4023363210">suzan Almond on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>PRAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPublic DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.koleksiyontutkusu.com/index.php?sayfa=roportaj1">koleksiyontutkusu.com</a>Public DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/musmusland/694918705/">Duygu Aytac on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>Photographer: Julien Lagarde/Public DomainPhotograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/julienlagarde/5257990149/">Julien Lagarde on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>.
Photographer: Julien LagardePRBoats in Monnlight by Ivan Konstantinovich AivazovskiAlamyPhotograph: AlamyPRA fantastic collection of Turkish, Ottoman and Islamic art ... Sofa in IstanbulPublic DomainAslihan Pasaji.
Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/musmusland/694918705/">Duygu Aytac on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>Thomas Roueché2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best boutique hotels in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-boutique-hotels-istanbul
Take your pick from a former distillery on the Asiatic shores a hideaway with a terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque. <strong>Pat Yale</strong> rounds up Istanbul's sleekest sleeping options<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>This delightful small hotel is named after Suleiman the Magnificent's grand vizier, who had a palace just around the corner, and is just steps away from the historic Hippodrome where chariot races were run in Byzantine times. Wooden floors paired with contemporary furnishings set the tone for rooms that are petite but perfectly equipped; ask for one of the newer, more spacious ones if you want to stretch out. The roof terrace offers a fantastic view of the Blue Mosque, and in winter a roaring fire welcomes guests to a book-lined lobby where a giant Roman capital props up the reception desk. The dining room feels like a Parisian bistro.<br />• <em>Terzihane Sokak 5</em>, <em>Sultanahmet, +90 212 518 0394, </em><a href="http://www.ibrahimpasha.com" title=""><em>ibrahimpasha.com</em></a><em>, doubles from €89 B&amp;B</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-boutique-hotels-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulHotelsTurkeyTop 10sEuropeTravelShort breaksCity breaksLuxury travelWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-boutique-hotels-istanbulPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRPRThe terrace at the Ibrahim Pasa Oteli, a boutique hotel in Istanbul with views of the Blue MosquePRKybele HotelPat Yale2011-09-14T09:30:00Z10 of the best budget hotels and hostels in Istanbulhttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-budget-hotels-hostels-istanbul
Istanbul has hostels and hotels to suit everyone's budget and taste, whether you're after old-fashioned grandeur or modern simplicity. Rough Guide expert <strong>Terry Richardson</strong> picks the best<br /><br /><strong>• </strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/series/istanbul-city-guide" title=""><strong>As featured in our Istanbul city guide</strong></a><p>If you're going to stay around the old city's main tourist drag, Akbiyik Caddesi, the Hanedan is the natural budget choice. Despite being owned and run by four friends, it has a friendly family feel about it, with the interior decor mixing the modern with mock-Ottoman flourishes. Rooms have air-conditioning and central heating as standard, with polished wood floors and chiffon-draped four-poster beds adding a touch of interest. The views from the roof terrace to the nearby Aya Sofya and out across the Sea of Marmara and Princes' Islands are stunning. <br />• <em>Akbiyik Caddesi, Adliye Sokak 3, Cankurtaran</em>, <em>+90 212 516 4869, </em><a href="http://www.hanedanhotel.com" title=""><em>handedanhotel.com</em></a><em>, doubles from €40 B&amp;B</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-budget-hotels-hostels-istanbul">Continue reading...</a>IstanbulHostelsBudget travelHotelsTurkeyTravelEuropeShort breaksWeekend breaksTop 10sCity breaksWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/sep/14/10-best-budget-hotels-hostels-istanbulFlickrThe Hanedan, a budget accommodation option in Istanbul with views over the Aya Sofya. Photograph: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25880784@N04/4157639484/">Donnie 3426 on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">some rights reserved</a>FlickrHanedan Hotel
Image: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25880784@N04/4157639484/">Donnie 3426 on Flickr</a>/<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB">Some rights reserved</a>
Photograph: FlickrTerry Richardson2011-09-14T09:30:00Z